United States Environmental Protection Agency Hazardous Waste Engineering Research Laboratory Cincinnati OH 45268 Research and Development EPA/600/S2-87/013 May 1987 Project Summary Stack Testing of the Mobile Plasma Arc Unit Mark Gollands, Edward Peduto, Joanna Hall, and Howard Schiff The Plasma Arc System developed by Pyrolysis Systems, Incorporated (PSI) underwent an extensive trial burn pro- gram in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The plasma arc reactor with ancillary equip- ment was designed as a mobile unit for the highly efficient destruction of liquid hazardous waste. Product gases from the pyrolysis reaction are scrubbed and then flared for the final destruction of any remaining hazardous constituents. The objectives of this program were to evaluate the performance of the sys- tem and to establish its destruction and removal efficiency (ORE) while pyro- lyzing both RCRA and TSCA regulated hazardous wastes. In February 1985, the system was operated over a two- week period while introducing a liquid waste containing CCI4. This effort was essentially repeated in February 1986 when a liquid waste containing PCBs was introduced to the system. The emissions were sampled and analyzed for: carbon tetrachloride (CCI4), hy- drogen chloride (HCI), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), polychlori- nated dibp - "-.ans (PCDF), and par- ticulate matter. Of notable concern were polynuclear aromatics (PNAs), oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. Samples of the scrubber water generated were also analyzed for CCI4, HCI, PCBs, PCDD/PCDF, and PNAs. The system was evaluated during two separate efforts. During the CCI4 trial burns, the pyrolysis system met the established RCRA requirement with a DRE for CCI4 of greater than 99.99 percent. The CCI4 emissions averaged 24.98 x 106 kg/hr with an average input of 63.0 kg CCI4/hr. HCI emissions averaged 0.35 kg/hr. NOX and CO emissions were 0.35 and 0.14 kg/hr, respectively. CCI4 discharged through the scrubber water averaged 6.21 x 10 B kg/hr. Results of the PCB trial burns indicate that the pyrolysis system destroyed the PCBs to a level of greater than or equal to 99.9999 percent DRE. PCB stack emissions during the three test runs ranged from Not Detected (ND) to 0.11 x 108 kg/hr with a system DRE of greater than 99.9999 percent. PCDD and PCDF stack emissions were in the range of ND to 0.028 x 106 kg/hr (PCDD) and 0.082 x 10 6 to 0.304 x 10 6 kg/hr (PCDF). HCI and paniculate matter emissions averaged 0.0039 and 0.028 kg/hr, respectively. NOxand CO emissions averaged 0.476 and 0.053 kg/hr, respectively. PCDDs were not detected in the scrubber water dis- charge; however, PCDFs were detected in very small concentrations in only the first test run. PCBs discharged in the scrubber water ranged from ND to 93.1 x 10 6 kg/hr and PNA concentrations in the ppb range were detected in both the stack gas and the scrubber water. This Project Summary was developed by EPA's Hazardous Waste Engineering Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH, to announce key findings of the research project that Is fully documented In a separate report of the same title (see Project Report ordering Information at back). Introduction The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Hazardous Waste Engineering Research Laboratory (HWERL), Cincinnati, Ohio, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) ------- established a Cooperative Agreement in 1982. The Agreement called for the con- struction and testing of a mobile pilot- scale plasma arc system for the high efficiency destruction of hazardous waste. The capacity of the system is nominally designed to be four kilograms (8.8 pounds) per minute, and to fit, with ancillary equipment, in a 45-foot trailer. The con- cept of the plasma arc is that it uses high intensity energy with temperatures ap- proaching 10,OOO°C to break bonds of hazardous waste chemical molecules down to the atomic state. The recombina- tion of these atoms produces molecules such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrochloric acid. The off-gases from the plasma system are subsequently scrubbed to remove hydro- chloric acid and flared to remove com- bustibles. A multi-stage sampling program was designed to characterize and quantify emissions from the plasma arc unit in addition to establishing its destruction and removal efficiency capabilities. In general, the approach taken for this EPA/NYSDEC Cooperative Agreement involves four phases of activity. The first two phases were performed in Canada with the cooperation of Canadian Federal, Provincial and local authorities; the third and fourth phases will be performed in the State of New York. The total Coopera- tive Program is as follows: Phase I: Construction and shakedown of the mobile plasma arc system by the vendor, Pyro- lysis Systems, Inc. (PSI) Phase II: Performance testing of the plasma system at the Kings- ton, Ontario test site (GCA involvement). Phase III: Transportation, installation and verification of system performance at a site in New York State. Phase IV: Demonstration tests as de- signed by NYSDEC for per- mitting purposes at a New York State hazardous waste site. Project Objectives The primary objectives of the program were to demonstrate the destruction capabilities of the system on waste materials containing chlorinated com- pounds. The first series of tests in Phase II used carbon tetrachloride as the chlori- nated feed component and as the target compound in the analyses. This series was essentially a preliminary test run which could prove the performance of the system on a "difficult to destroy" compound with a very low heat of com- bustion. Upon the successful demonstra- tion of compliance with state, provincial, and Federal requirements, the next test series involved introducing an Askarel blend waste feed containing 12-14 per- cent polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) by weight. Phase II measurement activities were conducted in accordance with the Quality Assurance Project Plan. The purpose was to obtain information on the effectiveness of the plasma arc, scrubber, and flare systems in destroying or removing the compounds of interest in the waste feed and to assess the reliability of system components and the stability of destruc- tion performance. The parameters mea- sured in each of the two test series are shown in Tables 1 and 2. Test Facility All Phase II sampling was conducted on the grounds of the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The mobile plasma pyrolysis system, as shown in Figure 1, was operated by Pyrolysis Systems, Inc. (PSI). The plasma reactor and ancillary equipment were housed in a 45-foot, specially adapted trailer, capable of being transported from site to site. PSI was responsible for pro- viding and preparing the synthetic waste feed blends for the Subsequent testing. Table 3 outlines the waste feed param- eters from the two test series. Carbon Tetrachloride Trial Burn Sampling for CCI4 emissions was conducted during Stage II, Test Series 1, to determine the overall CCI4 destruction and removal efficiency (ORE) of the sys- tem. CCI4 was selected as the principal organic hazardous constituent (POHC) because its very low heat of combustion suggests it is a difficult material to be thermally destroyed, based on EPA's cur- rent ranking guidance1; it is readily avail- able, and it is relatively inexpensive. Testing was initiated on February 16, 1985, after four days of plasma arc system preparation and test equipment set up. Results for the carbon tetrachloride and hydrogen chloride gas test runs are pre- sented in Table 4. The waste feed blend of CCI4, methyl ethyl ketone and methanol was introduced at rates averaging 2.82, 2.26, and 2.83 liters per minute (L/min). These cor- respond to CCI4 mass feed rates of 64.2, 60.6, and 64.2 kilograms per hour (kg/hr). These figures were used in calculating the destruction and removal efficiency (ORE) of the system shown in Table 4. Scrubber water samples were taken and analyzed for CCI4 concentrations which were then combined with scrubber Table 1. Carbon Tetrachloride Sampling Parameters Sampling point Measurement parameter Postflare product gas Spent scrubber water Waste feed Reactor ash 02, CO, C02, HCI, NOX, CCI4, flue gas velocity and temperature CCI4 Sample and archive Sample if available and archive Table 2. PCB Sampling Parameters Sampling point Measurement parameter* Postflare product gas Spent scrubber water (Reactor ash) Waste feed O2, CO2, CO, NOX, HCI, paniculate matter semivolatiles, VOCs, PCDDs/PCDFs, PCBs, TCBs flue gas velocity, temperature, moisture semi-VOCs, VOCs, TCBs, PCBs, PCDDs/PCDFs if available PCDDs/PCDFs, PCBs, TCBs * VOCs = volatile organic compounds PCDDs = polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins PCDFs = polychlorinated dibenzofurans PCBs = polychlorinated biphenyls TCBs = total chlorinated benzenes ------- Flow Diagram Off Gases to Flare Water Separator (Scrubber) Waste Feed AC/DC j | Rectifier^] Cooling Water Figure 1. Process schematic of the PSI plasma pyrolysis unit (from Pyrolysis Systems, Inc.) Emergency Carbon Filter Gas Chromatograph- Mass Selectivity Unit Laboratory Analysis Equipment Gas Chromatograph Scrubber Water Discharge to Drain Table 3. Waste Feed Parameters Parameters Carbon tetrachloride burns-2/85 CC/4, mass % Feed flow rate. L/min Specific Gravity, kg/L CCI4 feed rate, mg/min kg/hr PCB Bums - 2/86 PCB, mass % Feed rate, kg/min PCB feed rate, kg/min kg/hr Run 1 35 2.82 1.08 1.07 64.2 14.3 2.10 0.30 18.0 Run 2 40 2.26 1.12 1.01 60.6 12.5 2.33 0.29 17.4 Run 3 35 2.83 1.08 1.07 64.2 12.8 2.20 0.28 16.8 Average 36 2.64 1.09 1.05 63.0 13.2 2.21 0.29 17.4 water flow rates to yield the CCI4 mass discharged to the sewer. The concentra- tions of CCI4 detected in the scrubber water were 1.27, 5.47, and 3.26 ppb (jug/L), respectively, for the three 1 -hour tests. The mass discharge rates are pre- sented in Table 4. During the CCI4 waste feed burns, samples of the postflare stack gas were obtained and analyzed for HCI and CCI4. In addition to these parameters, the stack gas flow rate, temperature, and bulk gas constituents (02, CO, C02 and NOX) were monitored on a continuous basis. During Run 1, hydrogen chloride gas (HCI) was sampled at the preflare location but was aborted after 20 minutes due to plugging of the sample line by the high carbon and moisture content of the gas stream. This sample was invalidated. No further testing was attempted at this location after several f larebacks occurred, causing safety concerns at this sampling location. The concentrations of HCI found in the stack gas were 137.7 and 247.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) for Runs 2 and 3, respectively. The concentrations of CCI4 present in the stack gas during Runs 1, 2, and 3 were below the detection limit of the electron capture gas chromatograph (GC/ECD) analytical instrument (less than 2 ppb). For the purposes of this report, and the establishment of a reportable ORE for the system while firing a CCI4- containing waste feed, CCI4 emission rates of 29.27 x 10'6, 22.79 x 1CT6, and 24.98 x 10"6 kg/hr were used in the calculations. The DRE is calculated using only the stack gas emission rate and does not include CCI4 discharged in the scrubber water. Therefore, the established DREs for Runs 1, 2, and 3 are all greater than 99.99 percent, assuming a detection limit of less than 15 ppb (the next highest calibration standard above the blank). The test combustion data are sum- marized in Table 5. As is the case with most combustion sources, NOX and CO are good indicators of combustion tem- peratures and efficiency. During startup and shutdown operations, the flare is quite unstable due to the non-steady reactor product gas supply. This is due to the fact that, during startup, the reactor requires a minimum time period to reach equilibrium temperature. Because of the instability upon startup, the system was brought up to operating temperatures on a waste feed containing nonchlorinated compounds, such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Once online and up to tempera- ture, the chlorinated waste was then introduced. There was usually a slight instability in the system as the new waste entered the plasma as was evidenced by changes in the postflare stack gas tem- peratures and concentrations of 02, CO2, and NOX. Generally, once system tem- ------- Table 4. CCI4 Trial Burns — CCI4 and HCI Emissions Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Average Date, 1985 Test duration, min Waste Feed Parameters Waste Feed Composition CC/4, mass % MEK/MeOH Specific gravity kg/L Waste Feed Flow Rate, L/min kg/min CCI4 Feed Rate, kg/min kg/hr Scrubber Water Parameters Discharge Flow Rate, L/min CCI4 Concentration, CCI4 Discharge Rate, kg/hr Ib/hr Stack Gas Parameters Average Flow Rate, m3/mina ft3/mina Average Temperature, °C °F HCI Cone., mg/m3a HCI Emissions, kg/hr Ib/hr CC/4 Cone., ppbc CCI4 Emissions, kg/hr Ib/hr 2/18 60 35 65 1.08 2.82 3.05 1.07 64.2 33 1.27 2/26 60 40 60 1.12 2.26 2.53 1.01 60.6 30 5.47 2/26 60 35 65 1.08 2.83 3.06 1.07 64.2 32 3.26 60 36 64 1.09 2.64 2.88 1.05 63.0 32 3.33 2.51xW'6 9.85xW'6 6.26xW'6 6.21xW6 5.54x10'6 21.71xW'6 13.80x10'6 13.68x106 38.13 1,346.3 908 1,666 N/A N/A 29.69 1,048.3 821 1.510 138 0.25 0.55 29.81 1,052.7 692 1,277 247 0.44 0.97 32.54 1,149.1 807 1.484 193 0.35 0.76 System CCI4 ORE.' c c c c 29.27x10's 22.79x106 22.89x10'e 24.98x10'6 64.39xW'6 50.14x10'6 50.36x10'6 54.96x10'e >99.99 >99.99 >99.99 >99.99 a Dry standard conditions as defined by 20°C and 760 mm Hg. b HCI sampling conducted at preflare location. Sampling suspended due to carbon plugging of train (not analyzed). 0 Results are based on estimated detection limit of 2 ppb. Actual detection limit was in the range of 2-15 ppb and was not quantified. peratures stabilized, CO concentrations were relatively constant at a level of less than 0.17 kg/hr. PCB Trial Burn In February 1985, three endurance PCB trial burns were conducted. The waste feed during these burns was comprised of a blend of three Aroclors, trichloro- benzene, methyl ethyl ketone, and methanol. Askarel (Aroclor/trichloroben- zene blend) comprised approximately 25 percent of the waste feed by weight. This test series was included in the program to test the plasma pyrolysis system over a period of four hours while a waste of this type was introduced. Waste Feed — Askare 1/MEK/MEOH The PCB waste feed blend was intro- duced at an average rate of 2.21 kg/min with a PCB mass input of 0.28 kg/min or 16.7 kg/hr. This mass input includes monotnrough decachlorinated biphenyls. Integrated samples were obtained during each test run from the valving assembly just prior to the feed ring of the reactor vessel. At this point, the waste feed blenc was well mixed and representative ol that fed into the plasma reactor. The samples were analyzed for total PCBs, chlorobenzenes, polychorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Scrubber Water Scrubber water samples were collectec during each test run and analyzed foi volatile and semivolatile compounds in- cluding PCBs and PCDDs/PCDFs. Durinc Runs 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3, scrubber watei flow rate was 36.5,33.0, and 32.5 L/min respectively. The volatile compounds found in the scrubber water were principally benzene toluene, chlorobenzene, and styrene Chloroethane and 2-butanone were alsc found in Run 3-3 in measurable quantities. Generally, the semivolatile compounds detected and quantified in the scrubbei water are sister compounds to naphtha lene and pyrene. The samples were two phased, and the carbon layer typically had higher concentrations of semivolatile compounds than the aqueous phase. Ir most cases, the carbon separated frorr the aqueous solution, forming a top layei with a light, meringue-type consistency In other samples, the carbon remained ir suspension or gradually settled out ovei a period of time. This inconsistency ir carbon layer formation may be due tc varying consistency of the scrubber watei in which the density of the carbon is greater than that of the aqueous solutior phase. Split scrubber water samples were analyzed by a second laboratory for PCB PCDD, and PCDF content. In addition Run 3-1 scrubber water samples were analyzed for chlorobenzenes, chloro phenols, and benzo (a) pyrene. PCDDs were not detected in the scrubber watei in any of the runs. PCDFs were detectec in only the first run and mono through decachlorinated biphenyls in the last twc runs. Mono and dichlorinated biphenyl: represented approximately 89 and 81 percent of the total PCB mass in Run; 3-2 and 3-3, respectively. Postflare Stack Gas Stack gas samples were collected dur ing each run utilizing a variety of samplinc trains and methods to obtain the require( parameters. The stack gas constituent; sampled for included 02, C02, CO, N0? paniculate matter, HCI, volatiles, semi volatiles, PCBs, and PCDDs/PCDFs. Alsc ------- Table S. Combustion Parameters — CCI4 Trial Burns Test run 1 Average Date. 1985 Stack Gas Flow Rate, trf/min" ft3/mina Stack Gas Temperature, °C °F NOX Concentration, ppm (v/v) Emission Rate, kg/hr Ib/hr CO Concentration, ppm (v/v) Emission Rate, kg/hr Ib/hr 02, percent CO2, percent 2/18 38.13 1,346.3 908 1.666 106 0.46 1.02 48 0.13 0.28 12.7 6.0 2/26 29.69 1.048.2 821 1,510 92 0.31 0.69 57 0.12 0.26 14.4 5.7 2/26 29.81 1,052.7 692 1,277 81 0.28 0.62 81 0.17 0.37 15.1 4.9 32.54 1,149.1 807 1.484 93 0.35 0.78 62 0.14 0.30 14.1 5.5 ' Dry standard conditions as defined by 20°C and 760 mm Hg. included were measurements of gas temperature, velocity, and moisture. During the three operational periods in which sampling runs 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 were conducted, the postflare stack gas was monitored for 02, CO2, CO, and NOX using GCA's continuous emission moni- toring system (CEMS). Emissions of hydrochloric acid were sampled at the postflare stack to deter- mine stack gas concentrations as well as the HCI mass emission rates. Concen- trations in the gas stream were quite low during all three runs averaging only 1.68 mg/m3 for an average emission rate of 64.1 mg/min or 0.0084 Ib/hr. Paniculate emissions from the stack show an average paniculate concentra- tion of 0.005 grains per dry standard cubic foot (gr/dscf) with an average emission rate of 463.2 mg/min or 0.061 Ib/hr. Run 3-1 results were almost twice as high as those from Run 3-2 or 3-3. During Run 3-1, the stack gas tempera- ture was much lower and the stack gas flow rate was higher than the two sub- sequent runs. System problems that led to a shortening of Run 3-1 may also have caused the increased grain loading (i.e., higher carbon concentrations in the re- actor gas and postflare stack gas). Sampling for semivolatile organics took place during each test period using a Modified Method 5 (MM5) sampling train with an XAD sorbent module in place. The semivolatile samples were analyzed by GC/MS. As with the scrubber water samples, the principal components found were naphthalene and its sister compounds. A sampling train similar to the one used for the collection of nonchlorinated semivolatile organic compounds was used to collect samples to be analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), poly- chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). A destruction and removal ef- ficiency (DRE) for the plasma pyrolysis system when firing PCB-containing liquid wastes was calculated for each run and is presented in Table 6. In calculating the DRE for PCBs during Runs 3-2, and 3-3, an estimate of the maximum possible PCB emission rate had to be used for these runs because the sample analyses yielded results below the instrument detection Mmits. Conclusions Based on the test results and the operatioal experience associated with this test program, it can be concluded that the technology shows promise as an emerging technology which should be further demonstrated. The data con- tained herein are useful for engineering research purposes and support the conclusion that the technology shows promise for future trial burn programs. The further conclusions are focused on the demonstration of an acceptable destruction and removal efficiency as delineated in the RCRA and TSCA regulations. • Results from the carbon tetrachloride test burns indicate that the system is capable of destroying "difficult to destroy" compounds. The DREs from each of the three test burns exceeded the minimum RCRA requirement of <99.99% destruction removal efficiency. • HCI emission rates conformed to the allowable limits of <4 kg/hr and <99% removal efficiency based on inlet total chlorine content. • Concentration of CCU in the scrubber effluent ranged from 1.27-5.47 /ug/L Effluent levels met the criteria for discharge to the sewage treatment plant. • Results from the PCB test burns indicate that the system is capable of destroying a PCB liquid waste blend consistent with the TSCA requirement of >99.9999% DRE. • HCI emission rates were again con- sistent with the requirement of >4 kg/ hr and >99% removal efficiency based on total chlorine input. • High concentrations of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon compounds were detected in the two-phased scrubber effluent. The predominant species were naphthalene, ace- naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene, and fluoranthene Levels were in the range of 12,000-72,000,ug/L Corres- ponding levels in the flue gas dis- charge were less than 245 /ug/m3. • No appreciable levels of dioxin or furan compounds (as total tetra through octa) were detected in the Table 6. Plasma Pyrolysis System DRE for PCBs3 in a Liquid Waste Feed Date 2/12/86 2/20/86 2/22/86 Rune ft 3-1 3-2 3-3 Run duration (min) 115 240 240 Waste feed rate (kg/min) 2.10 2.33 2.20 PCB content (% weight) 14.3 12.5 12.8 PCB mass input (kg/hr) 18.018 17.475 16.896 PCB mass out (kg/hrf 0. 1 1x1 0~6 <1.1x1Q-Sc <1.1x1ffac System DRE percent >99.9999 >99.9999 >99.9999 a Total PCBs as Mono (1) through Deca (10) polychlorinated biphenyls. b PCB mass out does not include PCB mass discharged through scrubber water. Only stack emissions are used in the calculations. c Concentrations of PCBs were below the instrument detection limits according to Zenon's analyses. In order to establish a minimum DRE, the sum of their detection limits for Cl-1 — CI-10 was used to obtain a maximum possible emission rate. ------- scrubber water. In all cases, levels were eiother nondetectable or signif- icantly less than 1 ng/L. Correspond- ing levels in the flue gas were in the ranges of 39.1-139 ng/m3 for the total compounds and ND-12.6 ng/m3 for the tetra-octa-chlorinated dibenzo-p- dioxin. Reference 1. "Presentation of a Method for the Selection of POHCs in Accordance with the RCRA Interim Final Rule, Incinerator Standards," January 23, 1981, Off ice of Solid Waste. Mark Go/lands. Edward Peduto. Joanna Hall, and Howard Schiff are with Alliance Technologies Corporation (Formerly GCA Technology Division. Inc.), Bedford. MA 01730. C. C. Lee is the EPA Project Officer (see below). The complete report, entitled "Stack Testing of the Mobile Plasma Arc Unit," (Order No. PB 87-152 450/AS; Cost: $13.95, subject to change) will be available only from: National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Telephone: 703-487-4650 The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at: Hazardous Waste Engineering Research Laboratory U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cincinnati, OH 45268 ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Center for Environmental Research Information Cincinnati OH 45268 BULK RATf POSTAGE & FEE EPA PERMIT No G Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300 EPA/600/S2-87/013 0000329 PS U S ENVIR PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 5 LIBRARY 230 S DEARBORN STREET CHICAGO IL 60604 ------- |